Core Viewpoint - Northlight Asset Management's Chief Investment Officer Chris Zaccarelli suggests that if inflation pressures in the U.S. remain manageable, the Federal Reserve may consider lowering interest rates, potentially as early as September [1] Group 1 - The Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates is contingent on upcoming economic data [1] - If future data indicates a change, the Federal Reserve may need to maintain current interest rates for a longer period [1]

Core Insights - Bitcoin has surged to a record high of nearly $112,000, driven by growing risk appetite and sustained institutional demand [2] - The cryptocurrency market is supported by a weakening U.S. dollar, which has seen a decline of 10.65% over the past six months [4] - Anticipation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve is boosting investor confidence in digital currencies, with a 68.3% likelihood of a rate cut in September [6] Institutional Adoption - Increasing interest from institutional investors is sending a positive signal to the market, reflecting confidence in digital currency [2] - Goldman Sachs anticipates three quarter-point rate cuts this year, which could further enhance investor risk appetite [6] Regulatory Environment - Pro-crypto moves by the Trump administration and expectations of Congress passing crypto legislation are leading to fresh capital inflows into the sector [7] - The U.S. House of Representatives is preparing to consider key digital asset bills, including the Genius Act and the CLARITY Act, which aim to establish regulatory frameworks for stablecoins and clarify the boundaries between regulatory bodies [8][9] Market Dynamics - A tech-driven equity rally, particularly led by Nvidia, has also contributed to Bitcoin's record high [3] - The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) has fallen 1.4% over the past month, indicating a weakening dollar that benefits cryptocurrencies [4] Investment Opportunities - Several ETFs are available for investors looking to increase exposure to digital currencies, including iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) and Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin Fund (FBTC) [10][11] - IBIT has the largest asset base of $76.31 billion and has outperformed other funds, gaining 54.86% over the past year [12]

Investment Rating - The report suggests a dovish outlook for the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) with expectations of interest rate cuts resuming in September, totaling 125 basis points through March of the following year [1]. Core Insights - The minutes from the June FOMC meeting are anticipated to align more closely with dovish statements from Fed officials rather than the neutral tone expressed by Chair Powell during the press conference [1]. - Recent strong job reports have made an immediate rate cut unlikely, but a shift towards a dovish stance has been observed among Fed officials, indicating potential cuts in the near future [7][8]. - The report emphasizes that the uncertainty regarding economic outlook has decreased, which may lead to a consensus among committee members to support a rate cut by September [9]. Summary by Sections Economic Conditions - Three months of sub-target core PCE inflation have contributed to a more dovish sentiment among Fed officials, with some shifting from hawkish to supportive of rate cuts [6][7]. - Chair Powell's previous openness to a July cut was curtailed by strong job numbers, reinforcing the expectation of a September cut instead [8]. FOMC Meeting Insights - The language from the May FOMC meeting minutes will be revised to reflect decreased uncertainty and an expectation for more data collection over the summer [9]. - The report notes that while some officials maintain hawkish views, the majority expect to lower policy rates before the end of the year [11].

Core Insights - Sydney's property prices are increasing at three times the inflation rate due to two recent interest rate cuts, attracting a surge of buyers into the market [1] - The most significant price increases are observed in affordable apartment markets near major commuting hubs, driven by heightened competition [1][4] - Despite the Reserve Bank of Australia's decision to maintain the cash rate, the urgency among new buyers continues to grow [1] Price Trends - Ashcroft, Wahroonga, Belrose, Cartwright, and Sadlier have seen apartment prices rise by 10% or more in just three months, appealing to many potential buyers [4] - Wahroonga's apartment median price has surpassed AUD 1 million, increasing by over AUD 100,000, while Menangle's house median price rose by AUD 130,000 to AUD 1,169,299 [5][7] - The proportion of buyers seeking more affordable suburbs is increasing as many are being priced out of areas closer to Sydney's median house price [5] Market Sensitivity - The Sydney market is highly sensitive to interest rate changes, with the current pause in rate adjustments seen as a temporary relief rather than a directional shift [5] - The high property prices in Sydney deter many potential buyers, but lower interest rates are expected to enhance their chances of entering the market [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent fluctuations in gold prices and the impact of macroeconomic factors, including U.S. labor market data and central bank policies, on the gold market and investor sentiment [3][4]. Economic Context - A truck carrying 33 tons of gold and silver concentrate was hijacked in Mexico, highlighting the increase in highway robberies, with one occurring every 50 minutes [3]. - Strong U.S. non-farm payroll data and a decrease in initial jobless claims to 227,000 indicate a robust labor market, reducing expectations for immediate interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [3]. - The Federal Reserve officials express concerns about inflation risks, with only a few supporting a rate cut in July, indicating a cautious approach to monetary policy [3]. - The European Central Bank (ECB) is expected to maintain a flexible stance on interest rates, with market expectations leaning towards a potential rate cut later this year due to economic uncertainties [3]. Gold Price Analysis - Current gold prices are fluctuating, with spot gold at $3341.34 per ounce, reflecting a slight increase [2]. - The monthly and weekly price trends indicate a cautious approach towards bullish operations, with key resistance levels identified at $3343 - $3345 [4]. - The price has shown resilience around the $3310 level, suggesting that further movements will depend on whether it can maintain above this threshold [4]. - Short-term analysis indicates a bullish sentiment, with immediate focus on the $3343 - $3345 resistance zone [4].

Core Insights - The current economic environment favors well-capitalized and growth-oriented companies, which are outperforming their counterparts in the U.S. market [1] - A structural shift in the U.S. market is indicated by the sustained outperformance of large-cap and growth securities over small-cap and value stocks [2] - The S&P 500 Growth Index has returned 15.46% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 Value Index, which gained 8.85% [3] - Barclays maintains a positive outlook on U.S. growth stocks due to strong earnings momentum and lower leverage risk associated with large-cap securities [4] Market Sentiment - Bank of America and Goldman Sachs have raised their year-end forecasts for the S&P 500, with BofA increasing its target to 6,300 and Goldman to 6,600, reflecting a bullish sentiment [5] - Citigroup, Barclays, and Deutsche Bank have also raised their year-end targets for the S&P 500, indicating growing optimism in the U.S. equity market [6] - The S&P 500 has gained approximately 6.7% year-to-date, with a significant rally following a pause on tariffs announced by President Trump [6] Investment Opportunities - Large-cap ETFs are recommended for investors seeking exposure to the improving market outlook, particularly in the tech sector driven by the AI boom [7] - Notable large-cap ETFs include Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO), SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY), and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV), with VOO having the largest asset base of $689.85 billion [8] - Growth-focused ETFs such as Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) and iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) are highlighted for investors looking to capitalize on the shift in market sentiment [11][12] - VUG has an asset base of $175.61 billion, making it the largest among growth-focused options, with annual fees of 0.04% for SPYG, VUG, and IUSG, suitable for long-term investing [13]

Economic Outlook - Wells Fargo indicates signs of an economic slowdown, with job creation slowing and inflation expected to rise [1][2] - Nonfarm payrolls added an average of 130,000 jobs per month in the first half of the year, down from 164,000 in the same period of 2024 [2] - Job creation is affected by stagnation in small businesses' hiring plans, while inflation is anticipated to increase due to new tariffs [3] Federal Reserve Actions - The trends of slowing job creation and rising inflation are expected to lead the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) to lower interest rates by 25 basis points at three upcoming meetings in September, October, and December [3] Employment Data - Employers are cautious about adding new employees, despite retaining current workers; the number of Americans filing for unemployment has dropped to a seven-week low, while insured unemployment has risen to its highest level since November 2021 [4] - The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment growth in June was consistent with the previous year's rate, with gains in state government and healthcare sectors [5] Tariff Impact - The impact of tariffs is reflected in data showing an increase in non-revolving credit, as consumers are purchasing larger items like cars to avoid new tariffs [6]

Report Summary 1. Industry Investment Rating - Not provided in the report 2. Core Viewpoints - Short - term: On July 9, the main contract of Shanghai gold futures closed down 1.0% to 776.82 yuan/gram, and the main contract of Shanghai silver futures closed down 0.2% to 889 yuan/kilogram. Trump extended the tariff suspension to August 1 and pressured for talks. The new tariff letter's tax rate did not increase significantly, and the US said it would meet with Chinese officials next month. This eased tariff concerns and reduced safe - haven demand, which was bearish for precious metals from a macro perspective. Also, the US economic data was okay, the economic downturn risk in the second half of the year weakened, and the Fed was unlikely to cut interest rates in the short term, which also suppressed precious metals. However, due to tariff policy uncertainties, China's central bank's continuous gold - buying for 8 months, and weakening US inflation expectations with a September rate - cut expectation, gold prices were unlikely to decline significantly. So, in the short term, precious metals were expected to continue to fluctuate [4]. - Medium - to - long - term: Against the backdrop of the trade war, the Fed still had a certain probability of cutting interest rates this year. With global geopolitical uncertainties, intensifying major - power games, and the trend of de - dollarization, global central banks' gold - buying continued. The medium - to - long - term upward trend of gold remained unchanged. The strategy suggested continuous low - buying [4]. 3. Summary by Directory Price Tracking - **15 - point prices of domestic and foreign gold and silver**: On July 9, 2025, London gold spot was 3293.35 dollars/ounce, down 1.3% from July 8; London silver spot was 36.60 dollars/ounce, down 0.7%. COMEX gold was 3301.80 dollars/ounce, down 1.3%; CONEX silver was 36.80 dollars/ounce, down 0.7%. AU2508 was 764.70 yuan/gram, down 1.2%; AG2508 was 8879.00 yuan/kilogram, down 0.5%. AU (T + D) was 763.00 yuan/gram, down 1.2%; AG (T + D) was 8864.00 yuan/kilogram, down 0.6% [3]. - **Price differences/ratios**: On July 9, 2025, the gold TD - SHFE active price difference was - 1.7 yuan/gram, up - 8.6% from July 8; the silver TD - SHFE active price difference was - 15 yuan/kilogram, up 36.4%. The gold domestic - foreign (TD - London) price difference was 5.50 yuan/gram, up 11.3%; the silver domestic - foreign (TD - London) price difference was - 574 yuan/kilogram, up - 1.9%. The SHFE gold - silver main ratio was 86.12, down - 0.7%; the COMEX main ratio was 89.72, down - 0.6%. AU2512 - 2508 was 3.82 yuan/gram, down - 6.4%; AG2512 - 2508 was 40 yuan/kilogram, down - 14.9% [3]. Position Data - **ETF and COMEX non - commercial positions**: As of July 8, 2025, the gold ETF - SPDR was 946.51 tons, down - 0.12% from July 7; the silver ETF - SLV was 14935.15145 tons, up 0.45%. COMEX gold non - commercial long positions were 258631 contracts, up 1.00%; non - commercial short positions were 56651 contracts, down - 7.24%; non - commercial net long positions were 201980 contracts, up 3.58%. CONEX silver non - commercial long positions were 82747 contracts, down - 2.06%; non - commercial short positions were 19347 contracts, down - 10.20%; non - commercial net long positions were 63400 contracts, up 0.72% [3]. Inventory Data - **Domestic and foreign inventories**: On July 9, 2025, SHFE gold inventory was 21585.00 kilograms, up 0.13% from July 8; SHFE silver inventory was 1320909.00 kilograms, down - 1.04%. On July 8, COMEX gold inventory was 36876794 ounces, up 0.43% from July 7; COMEX silver inventory was 497932946 ounces, down - 0.07% [3]. Related Market Indexes - **July 9, 2025 data**: The dollar index was 97.49, up 0.01% from July 8; the US 2 - year Treasury yield was 3.90%, unchanged; the 10 - year Treasury yield was 4.42%, up 0.06%. VIX was 16.81, down - 5.51%; the S&P 500 was 6225.52, up 0.45%; NYMEX crude oil was 68.18 dollars/barrel, down - 0.07%. The dollar/yuan central parity rate was 7.15, up 0.38% [4].

Group 1 - Investors should prepare for weaker stock market performance in the next six months according to Vanguard's outlook [1] - Vanguard's global head of rates, Roger Hallam, anticipates a slowdown in growth during the second half of the year [1] - The labor market is expected to gradually cool while inflation rises, leading to potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve [2] Group 2 - Hallam believes that prioritizing jobs will prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates towards the end of the year [2] - This environment is expected to create a favorable condition for bonds, encouraging clients to allocate more to fixed income [2] - Vanguard is launching three U.S. government bond exchange-traded funds, including the Vanguard Government Securities Active ETF (VGVT) [2]

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a 75.1% chance of the US Federal Reserve starting to cut interest rates in September, which may be a key reason for the recent bullish trend in global stock markets [2][24]. Group 1: Economic Outlook - The World Bank has revised its global economic growth forecast for this year down to 2.3%, from an earlier prediction of 2.8%, indicating that the period from 2020 to 2027 may see the lowest economic growth since 1960 [2][25]. - The average price of commodities is expected to decline by 10% year-on-year this year and by another 6% next year due to low economic growth and trade policies [2][25]. Group 2: Precious Metals Market - Recent CFTC data shows a decrease in net long positions for gold and silver, while platinum and palladium have seen increases in long positions [3][7]. - Gold prices have accumulated a 27.2% increase year-to-date, while silver prices have risen by 24.3% [7][11]. - The gold/silver ratio has shown a downward trend, indicating a potential shift in market sentiment [21]. Group 3: Fund Positioning - Managed positions in gold futures have decreased by 4.5%, while silver futures have seen an 8.7% drop in long positions [3][7]. - The net long position in palladium has increased, but it remains in a historically high net short position [8][11]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The relationship between economic indicators and commodity prices suggests that if the US enters a recession, it may lead to a decline in commodity prices, including gold [25][26]. - The current geopolitical climate and trade tensions are influencing market dynamics, with potential implications for commodity prices [29][30]. Group 5: Investment Strategies - The company suggests that in the current market environment, strategies such as shorting base metals, holding cash, and maintaining positions in gold and silver may be prudent [28][30]. - The focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors is impacting investment decisions in the mining sector, leading to a lag in mining stocks compared to commodity prices [20].